The Man Who Knew Too Much (Forgotten Books)

"In this collection of stories, the man who knows too much is Horne Fisher, a character who is generally thought to be based on Chesterton’s good friend, Maurice Baring. Fisher fits Baring’s physical description, he is a respected member of the upper class, and he seems to know everybody and everything. The similarity, however, ends there. Just as Father Brown is not exactly Father John O’Connor, neither is Horne Fisher exactly Maurice Baring. By all accounts, the real Baring was a charming, affable gentleman who knew how to laugh and had no fear of making a fool of himself, nonchalantly balancing a full wine glass on his bald head at social gatherings. Horne Fisher is distinctly lacking in both the charm and humor departments.

In awe of Fisher’s grasp of the facts, one character tells him, “Fisher, I should say that what you don’t know isn’t worth knowing.”

“You are wrong,” replies Fisher with a very unusual abruptness and even bitterness. “It’s what I do know that isn’t worth knowing.”" (Quote from chesterton.org)

About the Author

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (May 29, 1874 - June 14, 1936) was an influential English writer of the early 20th century. His prolific and diverse output included journalism, philosophy, poetry, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy, and detective fiction.

Chesterton has been called the "prince of paradox."He wrote in an off-hand, whimsical prose studded with startling formulations. For example: "Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it."He is one of the few Christian thinkers who are equally admired and quoted by both liberal and conservative Christians, and indeed by many non-Christians. Chesterton's own theological and political